Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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264. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he has considered introducing financial incentives for landowners to maintain rights of way and mass paths, similar to Scotland’s CLÁR program; if any funding initiatives exist or are planned to support the preservation of these historic routes; if the digitisation of maps by Ordnance Survey Ireland (now under Tailte Éireann) has resulted in the omission of rights of way and mass paths that were previously included in older Cassini maps; if so, the rationale for their exclusion despite public funding for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6592/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has a scheme in place to support landholders to maintain walking routes that traverse their land. The Walks Scheme was launched in 2008 and is implemented on behalf of my Department by designated Local Development Companies (LDCs) in association with Local Trail Management Organisations, Sport Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. The Walks Scheme provides funding to private landholders (participants) who maintain, develop and repair the portion of the trail that traverses their land. Many of these trails correspond with historic walking routes.

My Department also provides a funding contribution towards the employment costs of Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) in the designated LDCs, with a contribution also being provided from Fáilte Ireland. The RRO assists with the delivery of the Walks Scheme and supports other outdoor recreation initiatives at a local level. There are currently 22 RROs across the country. Funding is also available for trails through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.The recording and digitisation of maps is a matter for Tailte Éireann. The Deputy may wish to contact the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in this regard as Tailte Éireann comes under the aegis of his Department.